About the CHIP

A graphic titled Social Determinants of Health. The 5 components are Education Access/Quality, Health Care Access/Quality, Neighborhood/Built Environment, Social/Community Context, and Economic Stability.

What is a CHIP?

CHIP stands for Community Health Improvement Plan. In Ohio, public health departments are required to conduct a Community Health Assessment (CHA) and develop a Community Health Improvement Plan every 3 years. The Mahoning County CHIP for 2023-2025 was developed in partnership with Mahoning County Public Health, Youngstown City Health District, Healthy Community Partnership, Mercy Health, Vibrant Valley, and other partners.

An infographic titled "Health Inequities Have Deep Roots...". The branches of a tree are labeled "Health Outcomes." The roots of the tree are surrounded by words and phrases like "Healthcare Access and Quality", "Exposure to Pollution", "Racism", etc

What is the focus of the current CHIP?

The Mahoning County CHIP has 3 priorities:

  1. Mental Health and Substance Use

  2. Access to Care

  3. Community Conditions & Safety

You can view the full Mahoning County CHIP by clicking the button on the left. Strategy action plans begin on page 25. You can also view data dashboards for the Mahoning County CHIP by clicking the right button.

A hand-painted banner that reads "Racism is a Pandemic".

What does the CHIP have to do with Vibrant Valley?

The CHA and CHIP are required processes for public health agencies. They provide an opportunity for collaboration, community engagement, and equity improvement. Racial inequities are embedded in our systems, and collaboration can introduce checks and balances that keep us on track toward health equity goals. Vibrant Valley serves as a partner for the CHA/CHIP process to help move the needle toward equitable strategies and outcomes.

A group of people sitting at a table. Their hands are in focus. Some are writing on notepads.

How can I get involved?

Two of Vibrant Valley’s three cohorts are involved in the work of the CHIP. The Data Cohort is working to aggregate, analyze, and present CHIP data so that we can understand our health equity baseline and track progress over time. The CHIP Support Cohort is working to advance equity in the CHA/CHIP process by working with strategy partners and gathering community feedback.